Asperger

Produced by and for autistic people

United
Edition 93 January 2018
 Asperger United
Asperger United is a magazine run by and for Asperger United was founded in 1993 by Pamela
autistic adults (although some parents subscribe Yates and Patricia Howlin, in association with
on behalf of their under-sixteens). The magazine the Maudsley Hospital, and Mark Bebbington
aims to put people who have the condition in and Judy Lynch of the National Autistic Society.
touch with each other and to share information so
that they can lead more independent lives. This was in response to a recognised dearth
of services for people with Asperger syndrome
Please note that AU receives over 200 letters and the potential for self-help and networking
each quarter so it is not possible to respond as a means of support for this group.
to every one, nor for every contribution to be
printed. Discussions on editorial choices will The provisions for editor’s and sub-editor’s
not be entered into. AU protects the identity of post was to develop a publication that was
contributors by not printing full names unless the truly the voice of the people it was aimed at.
writer asks for his or her full name to be used. This post also provided the possibility of work
experience and responsibility and has benefited
Asperger United online is available at those who have held the position. These are
www.autism.org.uk/AUonline Richard Exley, David Wright, Martin Coppola,
or by paying a subscription. To subscribe you, we Ian Reynolds, John Joyce and the current
need your postal address. Please subscribe online editor, the Goth (who does not wear black).
or contact the Goth for a subscription form. All
contact details are below. Organisations requiring Pamela Yates provided support and advice
multiple copies: please get in touch. to the editors until the publication was handed
over to the National Autistic Society in 2000.
Editor: the Goth
The name Asperger United was chosen
National Autistic Society production support: by the group of original readers as the most
the Content Team “appropriate name” for the publication.
This was suggested by Anna Kaczynski,
NAS phone support: the Supporter Care Team formerly Cohen.

Please send all correspondence and subscription requests to:

Email: [email protected] All we need is your email address and we will

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Asperger United
c/o The National Autistic Society Thank you to Graeme Lawson for
393 City Road producing the AU logo.
London
EC1V 1NG Please note that the views expressed in
Asperger United are not necessarily those of the
Tel: 0808 800 1050 (free from most landlines) or editor, the National Autistic Society or those
Tel: 020 7923 5779 (geographical charges apply) involved in the publication of the magazine.

large print
Asperger United is available in on A3 sheets (double the size of this page). If you
need large print, please let us know using the email address or postal address above.

Contributions for the next issue should reach AU by 12 February 2018

2
 editorial
Welcome to the January edition of Asperger www.autism.org.uk/aspergerunited
United.
and the new web format, which is at
Another quiet postbag — remember, you
can write in about anything, my suggestions for www.autism.org.uk/AUonline
themes are there to help, not to command.
If you are looking at the new format, please
If you are reading a paper copy, then the first e-mail in and let me know what you think, as I’ve
paid issue for fourteen years is in your hands. received very little about this so far and I’m sure it
can be improved.
Two digital formats are available: a PDF of
the paper copy, which you can download from Yours,
the usual address, just like you could ever since
2006, the Editor

the response edition — suggestion for next issue on page 11

Contents

Tree roots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cover I want to be allowed to be autistic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

photograph by Glen article by Lois

My life with animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Asperger’s – relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13

feature by Ruth article by Thomas

Letter about understanding difference . . . . . . . 5 Letter about brainwaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

by Teodora from Pi-iii-iii-ichupika

Acceptance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 If we ruled the world . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

article by Jules article by James Christie

Pen pals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8 Two sides to fandoms – article by Jenna . . . . . . . . 15

What is my name? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 An unexpected visit to see the doctor . . . . . . . . . 16-17

article by John article by Nicholas

Obsessive hobbies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Letter about bullying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

article by Tony from Norman

Letter in response to Lydia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Until I found you – poem by Dan . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

from Sally
The rules of Asperger United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
one about the last edition from Wendy, and Letter about daily living . . . . . . . . . . . back cover
one in response to Ian from Louise from Anna
3
 feature

My life with animals

by Ruth

I wasn’t formally diagnosed with ASD in the family dogs. I’d go out for hours with one or
childhood, and one of the reasons for that (as both, and unbeknown to my family sometimes I
well as my obvious intelligence) is that my special would be approached by quite dodgy people, but
interest and obsession was animals. My parents I was lucky in that no one ever tried to hurt me.
and other adults considered this a very normal One of the dogs was too friendly and the other
interest for a little girl, and no one thought it odd too small to scare these people off.
that my main borrowing from the primary school
library was the life cycle of the frog, and the big I left home at 18 years old to become
cat book, dozens of times through my primary a student nurse, and was lucky to get
school career. accommodation in a three-bedroomed cottage.
Some girls along the road had a cat, so I took on
My family always had animals: first cats, then one of the next litter of kittens. It was strictly
a small, snappy dog when I was about 5 years forbidden, and I was eventually caught, but while
old. Like many on the spectrum I have always I had her she was fun and she was my best friend
preferred the company of animals to that of most through a traumatic time of failing to cope. She
people, and if one of the cats would sleep on my went back to live with my dad after my parents
bed I was delighted and honoured. split up.

My parents believed that children should Later I had a council flat and a fair procession
see animals pregnant and giving birth as an of animals came through. I took on cats with
educational experience, so I was thrilled to be feline immunovirus (FIV) as these cats shouldn’t
involved with several litters of kittens and a litter be allowed outside, and my flat wouldn’t allow
of puppies during my childhood years. It wasn’t a cat outside access. I looked after a collie-cross
considered in any way unusual that I would dog for a year while her family lived abroad,
happily spend several hours in front of a box then got my own dog, a staffie-cross puppy. He
of kittens while my brother and sister were off was very nervous, but he learned obedience and
playing. within three days, at 10 weeks old, would sit when
he was told, even with food in front of him.
When I was about 11 years old my family
had a horse. I’d had riding lessons as a birthday One of the worst things I have ever had to do
present, and other family members became was give up my animals to move into supported
involved, and then we bought Frisco, a chestnut, housing. I wasn’t coping and had been in and
part-Arab mare. In a way this helped me to meet out of hospital for several years. My FIV cats
and socialise with other young people, though it went to a sanctuary and my dog was taken on
didn’t always work that way. The other girls who by a nurse on the ward I was usually admitted
had horses on the farm tended to think I was to. But being an irrepressible animal person, I
snobbish as I rarely talked to them. It did work in befriended a kitten who visited the back garden
that other horsey girls at school would befriend of the house, who became very tame and friendly.
me in order to get free riding sessions. Later I moved to a house in another area under
the same support organisation, and worked my
In my teens my escape from the rigours of a magic on a long-haired cat who went on to visit
busy, noisy, family life, and from the pressure of the house often, with other tenants letting her in
having no friends to invite home, was walking and enjoying her company.
4
 feature (continued) and a letter
Next a budgie came my way. I was not Now we are four, the cats Callie, Missy,
experienced with birds, though I had looked after and Philbert, and me. As with all my previous
a cockatiel for a few weeks when his owner was animals, they are very important to me, and
in hospital. I was amazed how someone so fragile life without animals would be extra-lonely and
could be so trusting of a great, clutzy human! pointless. I borrow a standard poodle from a
He would sit on my hand and ask me to scratch friend and walk with her once or twice a week. I
his neck, and I could feel all the little bones miss having the outdoor animals, but, being on
under his feathers. The budgie was less used to benefits and renting accommodation, it takes very
handling, but over a period of months she started special circumstances to be able to keep outdoor
to trust me and spontaneously taught herself to animals, which I no longer have.
jump onto my hand to be brought out of the cage.
None of my animals has been an official
I had her for about four years, until she support animal, and more than anything
became ill and died. During this time I lived in else I would love to have a trained support
Buddhist centres, where she often got a lot of dog, but sadly these are rarely available for
attention, as pets were mostly forbidden. spectrum adults in the UK. But all of my
animals have played a huge support role, mostly
By the time Sukha died there was already a cat unknowingly, and I have the gratification of
in my life, and when the Buddhist centre closed knowing that I have provided an excellent
she moved out with me, and I’ve now had her for home and care for them. I wish there was more
five years, including the time I looked after her opportunity for people who need support,
at the centre. We were joined first by a pedigree especially in supported accommodation settings,
Asian cat, about a year later, and recently by an to keep and appreciate animals on a day-to-day
8-year-old tortoiseshell who was advertised as basis.
needing a new home.
(The title of this article is borrowed and
For a short while, about two years, I was slightly misquoted from Eric Ashby’s book titled
involved with a friend’s sheep, and had two of my My life with foxes. Eric Ashby was one of the
own sheep and two alpacas. This was fascinating early BBC wildlife photographers, he had a fox
— livestock are very different to pets, and alpacas sanctuary, and was a friend of my granddad. I am
especially are different to the usual animals we honoured to have met him, even though I was
meet in the UK. I got to bottle-feed lambs, and too young to know why he was important, and
learnt how to look after newborn lambs and make I have both his books and several of his photos
sure they were doing okay with their mothers. and postcards.)

Dear Asperger United, I am Romanian. I have been living in the

UK for the last six years. I work as a freelance
there are many people who can’t understand writer and artist, writing articles, poetry and
why they are different and sometimes the answer offering copywriting services in both Romanian
is not straightforward. People suffering from and English, and I am selling my art through
autistic traits know deep down that something is online galleries and local exhibitions. I published
not quite right yet there are still so many of them three books: a poetry collection and a prose book
undiagnosed, struggling to conform to what in Romanian in 2008 under my maiden name
people expect from them. Until six months ago, Teodora Galatean and a poetry chap-book in
when I came to terms that I may have dyspraxia, English with erbacce-press.
I was one of them. The cultural differences I
experienced in the UK helped me identify the Sincerely,
reason for my oddities that I experienced all my
life without knowing the name for it. Teodora
5
 an article

Acceptance

by Jules

I thought I’d write about acceptance, as it’s relevant in the mirror. It took me a long time to consider
to me, a person diagnosed Asperger’s. Please read myself of at least average attractiveness, having been
and print with any amendments as you see fit. convinced otherwise by persons who were trying,
in a mean way; to feel good about themselves.
With regard to acceptance, I wanted to
write about self-acceptance and the various By reading books: Shere Hite, The Hite report
ways in which I came to accept myself. on the family, made me realize that most people
think they’re something other than “normal”:
By keeping a journal, making a note of my they’re not of course, we’re all “normal”, but often
day, with particular reference to noting anything we all worry otherwise — that’s normal, too.
that made me happy for the merest moment.
Examples include progressing with one of my By realizing that as an Aspie I’m amongst the
small projects (sewing, gardening, IT), enjoying a most intelligent people. I went as far as taking a
sunny day with a coffee somewhere pretty, fixing Mensa test and the result helped me realize that
an appliance, reviewing old photos . . . “I can”. I’m better at some things than I am at
others, but so’s everybody, and I know that if I
Or maybe it related to somebody else: give my attention to one of my less good areas
complimenting a shop assistant on her pretty that I can get to a fair standard at that too.
fingernails, allowing somebody into a traffic
queue, somebody smiling and saying hello to me. By accepting others and realizing that they
It doesn’t have to be a big deal to be “worthy”. have their own stuff, which might make them
fearful or ill-informed, and also by realizing that
I leave out anything that didn’t go well: it each and every one of those people in the street
doesn’t change history but it does help me to or the shopping mall has their very own stuff that
focus on the good and believe that “I can”, while they’re dealing with on a daily basis, just like me!
the bad tends to get forgotten.
About me: I’m a 40-something man. Life
I also keep a pictorial journal which works has been a steep learning curve at times but I’ve
in a similar way, relating to small achievements emerged stronger. I’m in a happy long-term
in the garden, the kitchen, a trip somewhere, a relationship and enjoy being time-rich — I don’t
lovely clean car or room, or just a lovely day. have a job and will probably never work again.
My primary skill is a very methodical approach
By being aware of my language towards to everything, especially practical matters. My
myself: I avoid saying “I can’t” or “I’m useless social skills are a work in progress and I make a
at . . .” — doing so wounds me. Instead I say to deliberate effort to “put myself out there” and
myself, “I’ve not had much practice at that” or improve them.
“I’ve started to learn to do that but am not good
at it yet” or “memory isn’t my strong suit, but my I hope by having lived that I can make a positive
practical skills are excellent.” difference to the world, especially by helping
others whom I respect and can identify with.
By being aware of my physical self: sometimes I
dress up just for me, even with nowhere special to I enjoy typing, fixing anything mechanical,
go, so that I see somebody attractive when I look singing, gardening, driving and photography.
6
 pen-pal page

Pen pals
How to place a pen-pal
advert
> All you need to do is send your advert along with
your name and address (and email address if you
want) to Asperger United. You can use the Royal
Pen pal number 258 Mail or email. The next pen-pal number will be
given to your advert when it arrives.
My name is Anne. I’m 36 and I live in
North Wales. I would like to make some new > Please note that AU does not print dating adverts,
friends. I’m a very kind and understanding as it is unable to provide suitable support.
person and I’m very easy to talk to. I’m more
than happy to chat on the phone or by e-mail. > Those under the age of sixteen must have parental
My hobbies include keeping snakes and lots permission before placing a pen-pal advertisement
of other exotic types of reptiles including a in Asperger United.
Sphynx cat. I also play the baritone horn in
a local brass band. I enjoy going to funfairs,
> If you get no replies, please don’t take this personally.
theme parks, going out for meals, going to the
cinema or just staying in watching a DVD. I
attend a maths class twice per week and I also
How to reply to pen pals
go to the local library on Tuesdays. Please feel > Please remember to let us know the name and
free to get in touch with me. I’m happy to number of the person whom your letter is for. (All
hear from men and women of any age as most pen pals are numbered by the editor, not the person
of my friends are a lot older than me. Thank who sends in the advert.)
you for reading this. > Please remember to put your address on your letter.
> To contact a pen pal, please send your letter to
Asperger United, c/o The National Autistic Society,
Pen pal number 259 393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NG, or email
[email protected]
Hi, my name is Hannah,
> We will pass your letter on to the person you wish
I am 23 years old and am a volunteer for to contact. However, we cannot guarantee the
Age UK and the National Autistic Society. person will reply as that is entirely their decision.

I love books, I like autobiographies and

> Please note that all pen-pal letters sent via Asperger
United are opened before being passed on.
historical fiction best. I recently completed
my degree in creative writing and history,
which allowed me to explore my interests. **Important notice —
­ please read**
Asperger United is happy to publish pen-pal
I have Asperger’s syndrome and
advertisements but we must stress that we are not
epilepsy but love to live life to the full. I
a pen-pal or introduction organisation. We do not
have travelled to Australia, I write a weekly
match people up and we cannot monitor letters
blog and I go dancing once a week.
(other than the first letter, that is sent via us) so
please be cautious when releasing personal details in
Thank you for reading this. I hope to
your letters. The National Autistic Society / Asperger
hear from someone soon.
United cannot intervene or be held responsible for
any ensuing correspondence between letter-writers.
PS. I also love squirrels.
7
 more pen pals
Six pen-pal adverts have been held over for publication in Pen pal number 262
the next two issues, Editor.
Hey everyone,
Pen pal number 260 my name is Adeinne. I’m 27 years old from
Glasgow, not-so-sunny Scotland. I got a diagnosis
Barry, 21, Worcestershire. of Asperger syndrome which I got at 15 years old.
I struggle with groups of people quite a lot. My interests are watching TV and movies, as
I’ve a huge DVD collection, spending way too
I have always enjoyed drawing and writing: I much time on YouTube and the Internet to be
find it really therapeutic. I like to read mystery, honest, walking my chocolate labrador, playing
horror, vampire books. I’m into country music, video games such as Mario kart on the Nintendo
pop, clubland. I like horror, action and comedy Switch, Animal crossing on my Nintendo 3DS, I’m
films. I have done various art courses but still a huge Sims 4 fan as I love the game which to be
can’t draw very well. honest I’ve played all the Sims games on PC. I’m
a huge animal lover and I’ve been lucky enough to
I would like to hear from anyone with any swim with dolphins, which was a great experience
similar interests. but I also like visiting places such as the zoo and
aquariums. I love travelling to places around the
Look forward to hearing from you soon. world from Blackpool to America, I’m a huge fan
of Disneyworld theme parks — to be honest I’d
say I’m a bit of a Disney geek as I have Disney
Pen pal number 261 trading pins, Tsum Tsums, DVDs and lots more
Disney merchandise. I’m also a WWE wrestling
Hi, I’m Laurence and I have Asperger’s. I’m 26. fan as I’ve lots of WWE DVDs and watch the
shows on TV. I enjoy going to places such as
I don’t like clubbing as I find it hard to science museums but I’m a huge fan of going to
connect with people with similar interests in that the theatre which I do numerous times a year and
environment. have seen lots of shows such as The sound of music,
Hairspray, various pantomimes and many many
I live in the London area and would love to more shows. I’m also a fan of drawing, colouring,
make some friends with similar interests. and making stuff with Perler/Hama beads which
I find relaxing and enjoy. I also enjoy reading
I’m really into anime and manga of all types books. Some books I’ve read are A street cat called
of genres. I mainly like Japanese music but I also Bob and Sorry bro by Ben Phillips. I’m not sure if
like the Beatles, Beck, Radiohead, and Muse, to other people with autism will have this hobby but
state a few. I’m a huge fan of entering competitions and spend
a few hours a day doing it which I really enjoy.
I am also learning Japanese. I have been doing
that for about two years. I would like to visit. I would love to make a pen pal to write letters
to or even send emails to each other, I hope you
I also really like Star wars, Lord of the rings, and all enjoyed reading my advert and hopefully some
Game of thrones. people have one or more similar interests.
I am an avid gamer. I mainly love Nintendo Take care,
but my favourite genre is JRPGs.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Adeinne

8
 two articles and a letter to the Editor
Dear Goth,
What is my name?
after the article in edition 92
I have some further comments
by John
on what not to say to an autistic
person.
Those who believe in God give themselves names such as
Christians, Hindus, Jews, Moslems, and so on.
“Autism — that’s just a
trendy diagnosis at the moment.”
They give those who do not see God in the way that they do
names such as pagans, heathens, unbelievers.
How much more dismissive of
what someone on the spectrum
Those who do not believe in God call themselves atheists.
goes through can this be?
But what are those called who understand that God — belief
“Well, there’s a bit of autism
in God — is a fundamental human instinct, something we are
in all of us, isn’t there?”
probably all born with and cannot help, which therefore makes
all religions equally valid — and, I suppose, equally invalid?
I try to contextualise this for
the ignorant by saying that we
Other than derogatory or derisive terms, I have never
experience cramp sometimes but
discovered a name for my group.
we don’t say that there’s a bit of
cerebral palsy in us, do we?
My best suggestions are “amateur philosopher” or
“freethinker” but neither seems really adequate.
“I’ve done a course in
psychiatry so I would know the
And is there another Aspie who shares these views?
spectrum if I saw it.”

This comment from a GP in

her early forties. Her ignorance
Obsessive hobbies is staggering. What hope does
anyone have when GPs can’t even
categorise the condition properly.
by Tony
“Autism — well, that’s
I started collecting odd material that I found on Glasgow’s something to be proud of,
city streets, when working for Safeways, delivering leaflets (my right?”
longest job — four years). This included yellow BB shot from
children’s toy guns, toys themselves that were lost or discarded, That was my GP’s comment
models, jewellery and so on, which I then put in plastic eggs that when I was first diagnosed. This
I also found on the streets. As time went on I even bought Alien situation might come at the end of
or Dinosaur Eggs to fill with my collected material and then an acceptance journey but it is not
passed them onto other people as gifts. I also collected glass appropriate when someone is first
tile shards from the beach at Prestwick that, again, I passed on diagnosed. To her future credit my
to others as presents. Another of my odd hobbies was cutting GP does now recognise that she
pictures and words out of newspapers, magazines and from can learn something from me.
sweet or food wrappers, then sellotaping these to envelopes or
boxes, when writing to friends or sending them presents like the Best wishes,
eggs or jars of tile shards. I never collected train numbers. Do
any readers have odd hobbies like this and if so what? Sally
9
 letters to the Editor
Dear Goth, get precious snatches of sleep. And prop yourself
up with pillows. I hope this will help somebody
I read my magazine in one sitting — in the bath! get through what always feels a l-o-n-g winter.
(About 4–6 drops is plenty, in total. So if you use
It was such a thrill to be published — thank you! two oils use 2–3 drops of each, to make a total of
4–6.)
Tammy — love your cover (issue 92). At first
I thought you’d put ink onto silk, the gorgeous Oh! I have two final tips today, for any Aspie
slub effects. who would like to study more, for free, and has
access to the Internet:
Elkie — perhaps other beginner gardeners
would love some organic tips from you, Elkie? • Duolingo — to learn a new language;
How can we turn a soggy or ant-infested compost
bin into yummy earthworm heaven? What do • Khan Academy — science, geography, maths.
you do to help soil, naturally? Companion plants.
Building soil fertility. Oh, I let the yarrow, (Thanks, Goth, for deciphering the
plantain, dandelions and violets do what they will hieroglyphics. Long live real pen and paper!)
in the “lawn”. If you have any tips for roses in a
very windy part of Devon that would be great. Wendy

Michelle — yes, it’s easy to get swept away Idea for an online poll: how many Aspies are on a
and do too much on a “high”, and then crumble wheat/gluten-free menu? I’ve been learning about
in burnout. I’ve noticed that being strict with a leaky gut, our biome, and how AS folks tend
regular bedtime, no blue light two hours before, to have “issues”, not that mainstream medicine
a dark room, and getting up at more or less the knows or acknowledges — we have to figure
same time help. But it’s so tempting to stay up things out on our own!
late, on a new project.
Slub effects are caused by little lumps in the fibre — these
I love reading AU as it makes me appreciate lumps, called slubs, are particularly noticeable in some
how varied our tastes, interests, skills and knitting wools.
personalities are. We are each so unique! As
Lydia said, it’s infuriating to be told you don’t look As to an online poll: I am currently trying to keep
autistic — what is that meant to mean? None of the online and paper copies of Asperger United the same,
us look alike — we don’t have a “clone” look. as I know having two different versions will distress some
of you. However, if people are happy with the idea of
My contribution today is a tip to help additional content on line, please let me know. If I feel I
you sleep when you have a bunged-up nose, can introduce such features without upsetting people and
or the beginnings of a cold. (I’m a trained without incurring extra costs, I will, Editor.
aromatherapist, so this is tried and tested.) You
get a vaporizer (supermarket, or on line) and add
a couple of drops of essential oils on top of the
water. Place it near your bed, where you won’t Dear Ian
trip over it! And maybe cover the annoying blue
on/off switch with a sock. Oils that are really I was diagnosed with AS aged 7 and I do not
good include: pine, eucalyptus, cedar, lemon, have any sensory issues. I agree it does distort the
ravensara, rosemary, bergamot, lavender, thyme, condition a little. Hope this puts your mind at
bee balm, oregano, or niaouli. If you can place a rest
damp towel near the radiator, that helps too, to
keep the humidity of the room. It’s helped me Louise
10
 an article and a notice

I want to be allowed to be autistic

by Lois

I want to stroke soothing textures and oooh and I want to spend hours watching the tadpoles
ahhh at the way the light hits flower petals. I in my pond, marvelling at nature’s ability to turn
want to let my dyspraxia run riot so I can walk a squiggly squirming little thing into a handsome
like a puppet with its strings cut. I want to frog. I want to admire the colours and textures
wallow in hot baths five times a day. I want to of the spiders in the log pile. I want to have
smell every rose, every skimmia bush, every sweet my breath taken away at the magnificence of a
pea. butterfly’s wings. I want to watch in awe as the
bumblebees sip at the nectar-rich plants in my
But if I do all that, neurotypicals will laugh at garden. I want to be at one with nature, not
me and say, “That’s not socially acceptable”. people.

I want to bury my nose in the long belly fur of But if I do all that, neurotypicals will laugh at
my cat. I want to spend hours photographing tiny me and say, “That’s not socially acceptable”.
critters in my wildlife garden. I want no one to
talk to me for hours. I want to envelop silence. I I want to revel in the shades of green as the
want to become the sea. I want to be away from a evening summer sunlight filters through the
neurotypical world. leaves. I want to listen to nothing but the wind
rustling through the trees. I want to have my soul
But if I do all that, neurotypicals will laugh at stroked by melodious birdsong. I want to smile as
me and say, “That’s not socially acceptable”. a mother bird gently feeds her young.

I want to listen to the same piece of music But if I do all that, neurotypicals will laugh at
time and time again. I want to watch the same me and say, “That’s not socially acceptable”.
DVD and marvel at the cinematography. I want
to stare at the same birds visiting my garden What price to live in a neurotypical world?
and always have the same child-like fascination
when I watch them. I want to not have to answer Just the price of my soul.
questions like “why aren’t you married” or “why
don’t you have children”. I want to be alone, in Just the price of me.
peace, all the time.

But if I do all that, neurotypicals will laugh at

me and say, “That’s not socially acceptable”.
If sufficient material is sent in, the theme for
I want to not follow fashion. I want to April will be things that I enjoy. Vote with
have mis-matched shoes and handbag. I want your contributions: the more submissions on a
to eat the same foods every day. I want to subject sent in (from different people) the more
spend hours marvelling at nature. I want to likely that that subject will be the theme. Writing
write in my illegible writing. on any subject is still welcome (though I have a
feeling this one will produce lots of letters) as are
But if I do all that, neurotypicals will ideas for new themes, and artwork. Remember,
laugh at me and say, “That’s not socially if you want to see different content in AU, the
acceptable”. best way to change it is to send something in!
11
 an article

Asperger’s — relationships

by Thomas

Relationships are a key part of our lives, and they that are being spoken about yourself. Shut out the
can lead to events that shape us to be the people “no” voice and, instead, embrace the positivity.
who we are today, but what can we do when
these take a turn for the worst, especially for an This is how I recovered from my only real
individual who has Asperger’s syndrome? relationship with someone from the opposite
sex. We were together for just a year, and for
Being an Asperger, I can appreciate the the first time in my life I felt that I was with
stern difficulty of trying to build a long-lasting somebody who accepted me for who I was, who
affectionate relationship with someone. I myself believed in me and gave me the confidence to
have experienced an unhealthy relationship, do things that I didn’t know I could do before,
which I will divulge later in this article. like apply for a university course. I look back on
that relationship as a blessing, because I realised
When it comes to developing a relationship a lot more about myself back then than I ever
we have a lot more challenging and perplexing did before. I understood that I was indeed good
encounters than the general public can enough for anybody, and that I had the skills
comprehend. We tend to find many aspects of and personality to be able to be with someone
social collaboration a lot more difficult than who, I thought, loved me just as much as I loved
general people. Actions such as hugging, eye them. But it was not to be. I was cheated on near
contact and maintaining a conversation are the end of the relationship and then accused of
perplexing to us, depending on your level on the sickening crimes. I do not believe in hate, no.
spectrum. I have, on a personal note, managed I do, however, feel sorry for her. Why would
to build my confidence over the years and learned somebody sink so low to accuse another person
from both my peers and friends, as well as from of committing crimes that they would never, ever,
the valuable support from support workers, even contemplate doing in their deepest, darkest
the skills required to improve my chances of dreams? Perhaps it is jealousy, or a lack of self-
successfully building a relationship. There is help esteem: I do not know. What I do know is that
out there that will provide you with the guidance after that relationship, I was in a dark place. A
needed in building your confidence and self- depressed place with no hope and no light at the
esteem to a level that will bring you peace and end of the tunnel, I could not see a way out.
harmony with yourself, and thus, increase your
chances of building a long-lasting relationship. But then, one day, I simply looked at myself
in the mirror and asked myself if I really wanted
It is all about self-acceptance. Without to be in this state? I wrote down all the positive
accepting who you are, nobody else will. Ask aspects that I had, and I embraced them. I
yourself this question: how can I expect someone motivated myself that day to want to strive to
else to love me, if I cannot love myself? Try be the best in whatever it is I wanted to do, and
looking at yourself in the mirror and asking that now, I am a freelance journalist with a job that is
question a couple of times before jotting down paying substantial amounts of money, and I have
the answers on a piece of paper. If you can’t the family and friends that I want in my life.
think of anything, then ask your family, ask your
friends. There will always be something good The moral to this story, I guess, is to believe
and positive about you as a human being, you just in yourself and your ability. Love has a fine way
have to look hard and listen to the good aspects of finding you when you least expect it, and when
12
 an article (continued) and a letter
it happens, don’t rush it. Embrace it, and you will are just as special and important as anybody else,
find that you’ll be the happiest you’ve ever been. and eventually, with time and patience, someone
If it doesn’t work out, then don’t worry. Life will find you and you will be in the most caring,
is too uncertain to have regrets. Look back at heart-warming and loving relationship.
the good aspects of the relationship, and do not
dwell on the bad. You deserve to be loved. You Patience is a virtue.

Dear Mr Goth, body go through changes at puberty, in response

to what the environment asked after about ten
please recall that I said that autism is years of living. For example, your brain is born
identifiable by the study of brainwave frequency. to know what an egg is, but if you never see one,
Thus, I despair at two great things: then during puberty you’ll forget what an egg is.)

1) My first letter was published (and thank you So, a test for ASDs would actually be more
for that) but still no one paid attention to it? like what happens in an eye test: they would ask
you to interact with different things (such as
2) This paragraph is separated, due to being questions involving social interaction, or putting
what “people” call “very technical”. The end of you through actual social interaction, or they may
Graham’s letter suggests that an MRI scan would do as they do now in order to diagnose ASDs).
diagnose ASDs: And if you are any kind of autistic, then your
result would show up as largely below 13 hertz
No, no, no! MRI (and fMRI) do not detect frequency — below beta state — and that would
brainwave frequency, and so I know that what be how you are diagnosed with any ASD.
I suggested is still being ignored (by majority
society) — apart from those poor few who have End of. (Notes: an MRI only scans the brain
also found out what I suggested, via EEG, and like taking a photocopy, and so that is why it has
so they validate what I say, yet alas, they do not nothing to do with diagnosing living autism.
really understand their own results? An fMRI scan is similar, just seeing which
parts of a brain are active/have blood flow/are
Yet as I write this I must take the opportunity oxygenated. Still not the same thing as an EEG.
to stress again that you must not (and cannot) This is wrong because the entire brain is always
search for ASDs in babies and children, because active and not always with whatever an fMRI is
they are in the alpha state naturally. You are programmed to detect — but the main problem
supposed to look for excessive alpha state in during diagnosis is this: which is less stressful
adults. You cannot suppress any brainwave while scanning any body and brain, being freely
frequency or neural links in children because active while wearing only a weird hairnet (an
their minds are still stabilising and validating EEG) or lying stiff underneath a machine as big
innate neurophysical links! For analogy, a baby’s as a Toyota (an fMRI)?!)
brain is a big mass of arms or legs, and as they
exercise they find out which arm or leg in life (Still remains, if you do a websearch with
they need or use and which arm or leg is never keywords “autism” and “brainwaves” you shall
used. You as yet have no method of predicting find some validations towards what I say, ignoring
which arm or leg is going to be used by that child the ones which concern MRI, fMRI or children
and so you should not suppress it. or early diagnosis in babies or along that last sort
of thing. What I say is not about the physical
(This is called natural atrophy of the brain, state but rather concerning the intensity of it.)
where puberty is when any unused arm or leg
is neutralised. This is why the entire brain and Pi-iii-iii-ichupika
13
 an article

If we ruled the world . . .

by James Christie

According to the Daily Mail, Callie Rogers, And what of the highly-educated CEOs
Britain’s youngest lottery winner, is broke but and non-executive directors of such august
happy. institutions as the Bank of Scotland and the
Royal Bank of Scotland who managed, within
I’ve been broke. I was not happy. the space of a few short years, to destroy two
organizations pivotal to Scotland’s global
Although I’d be the first to admit I’m a reputation as a cautious, reliable and financially
charter member of the grumpy old men’s astute nation? Surely they should at least have
club (special section for particularly mean old been able to behave maturely . . .
fogies . . .), there are times I’ll honestly admit
I get completely exasperated with the illogical In the case of the Royal Bank of Scotland
antics of the neuro-typicals (NTs) who rule this in particular, why in the name of all that is
sceptred isle, our Earth. holy did such a supposedly logical and astute
organization buy the Dutch bank ABN Amro
I understand Ms Rogers did not have the best (a toxic timebomb of bad debt) without carrying
start in life and I sympathize, but why in God’s out proper due diligence?
name couldn’t she just have got a good lawyer,
listened to her independent financial adviser Because the then CEO, Fred “The Shred”
(I believe the National Lottery does try to supply Goodwin, was an emotionally arrogant individual
such help), invested her money carefully in low- with an ego approximately the size of Jupiter
risk bonds, told the hangers-on to ** off and got who’d allegedly been kept waiting to see senior
on with her life? management at ABN Amro. Fred’s ire and ego
were aroused by this, bad decisions followed, the
She’d never ever have had to worry about bills timebomb was flogged off for too high a fee and
again, could have had more time for her children, we all ended up paying too high a price.
and maybe even helped her community.
Where’s the logic in breaking banks and
But no, that would have been too logical, and blowing millions, and why the unctious
neuro-typicals (as I once wrote myself) think defensiveness when asked for a logical
emotionally first and logically second. And as explanation and some gesture of humility?
neuro-typicals make up the vast majority of the
global population, they do indeed rule — and And while credit was crunching, banks
frequently ruin — the world. blowing and lottery tickets followed by millions
of banknotes wafting away o’er the White Cliffs
Ms Rogers is not the only example, nor are of Dover, what was your autistic blogger doing?
the antics of NTs confined solely to the ranks
of lottery winners. Mention must however be Well, buying a flat with a nineteen-fifties-
made of John McGuinness, a hospital porter style mortgage, having that flat properly surveyed
from Livingston who won five times as much (a sort of due diligence), putting down a large
as Ms Rogers and still managed to blow the lot, deposit and paying off his mortgage early . . .
most notably via — let’s put it gently here — an
ill-advised investment of four million pounds in This may sound a little smug, but I remember
Livingston Football Club . . . sweating my fearful way through those decisions
14
 an article (continued) and another article
with the hard facts of life
laid out clearly before me Two sides to fandoms
by my autistic brain. As
an Asperger, the phrase
by Jenna
“oh, it’ll never happen to
me,” is simply not part
of my vocabulary and I Like others on the autistic I’m highly sensitive and
knew darn well the truth spectrum, special interests have whatever I feel is very intense,
of the saying that we’re all always been a part of my life. and whilst fandoms offer some
“three months away from Currently my fandom is for a joyful feelings, sometimes they
homelessness.” singer who has enjoyed a long can be the source of negative
career. I grew up listening to feelings. A fandom can isolate
If I hadn’t made those their music but became a fan you from your peers if you do
decisions properly, I’d in my own right about fourteen not have the same interests as the
have forfeited my flat years ago. All the time my people you associate with. I’ve
five times over. My next- interest in them increasing until I never been someone who has had
door neighbour was a bit finally decided to join the online the same interests as my school or
more easygoing, and lost community dedicated to them. workmates, so I was teased. Why
his home ten days before Finally I had my opportunity did I have to be the different
Christmas. to meet others who shared my one? I tried to convince others
interest and I was finding out that I liked the popular bands,
So sometimes I get about things that they were hoping to convince myself, but
exasperated when I see working on before they happened my brain was not going to let
people damaging and so I had time to save up, time for that happen. Fast forward a few
destroying their lives, the excitement to build up for an years and other intense emotions
because I know that a album release or tour. were thrown into the mix. The
few logical decisions artist played a tour in their home
could easily avert much After a couple of months, I country with no plans to bring
unnecessary pain and felt like I was getting to know it to this country and the green-
suffering; but if I open some of the other fans better eyed monster emerged. It was
my mouth and say so, and we began to talk about the driving me to insult the artist,
everyone tells me I’m being possibility of a tour. I had only the other fans who I’d got on so
too logical and boring. been to one concert (a group well with. Later on, the artist
that my sister liked) before but I announced that they were touring
I’m not sure it’d be wasn’t on my own. I didn’t think this country but it was a different
better if Aspergers ruled that any of my family would want tour. I felt a bit let down but
the world, and it might to pay to come with me so I was decided that as I had been saving,
indeed be pretty boring, faced with the thought of going I’d go to all the shows I could
but sometimes I wonder. . . on my own. Just thinking about anyway. In hindsight it was a
it raised my anxiety levels but I mistake because although there
plumped for the most expensive was nothing wrong with the
package. The fear went to the performances, I was still angry
James Christie is the back of my mind for a while as and resentful about missing
author of Dear Miss Landau. the intense excitement took over the other show. To this day the
He was diagnosed with AS but came back a few days later. resentment and regret about
at the age of 37. He lives Thankfully, the positive side of spending such a vast sum is still
and works in Glasgow. being in a fan community is that so prominent. Are fandoms
you aren’t alone, there’s usually always a good thing when you’re
© James Christie 2016 someone there that you’ll know. prone to such intense emotions?
15
 an article

An unexpected visit to see the doctor — a life in the day

of an Asperger man

by Nicholas
Dear Goth, A while ago, following I then went to the surgery
my usual procedure [routine/ reception to ask what had
I hope the attached may be ritual ], I went to the local GP happened, and was told,
of interest for the magazine, surgery for a blood test. I rely “you should be collecting
which is read (devoured?) from upon a medication, which the prescription from us”
cover to cover just as soon as it is restricted to a four-week [my literal understanding of what
arrives and is then despatched supply, to keep me mobile. I I was “supposed” to be doing was
into the local community for have a form of arthritis that if called into question (who had told
an eager teenager (or several) left without medication means me anyway?); also, now there was
to read via my wife who works I have difficulties with walking further disruption of my normal
with autistic folk in education. and with using my hands [as a routine/ritual, unexpectedly
result, I have a permanent, low-key interrupted, which leads to my
All best wishes level of stress, worrying about the becoming even more anxious, worried
availability of the drugs I need, which and concerned]. I explained that I
Nicholas borders on being obsessed]. But, to had never been asked to follow
get the medication, I have to a routine that meant I had to
I am not a Martian but have a blood test every month. call at the surgery to collect the
sometimes I wish I was. I have I really dislike blood tests, prescription [routine/ritual being
come to realise there are many because I have to have a needle questioned, or undermined, leads
times when I step out of my stuck into my arm and this to further anxiety and distress].
world and collide head on with really hurts me [hypersensitivity The receptionist checked her
theirs, that of the non-autistic of the senses is common in people box of prescriptions and of
majority, that it is usually me with autism; I also immensely dislike course found nothing for me.
who walks away feeling as if I being touched by cold hands and Then she asked me to take a
have walked into a brick wall, cold objects]. The nurse who seat and wait in the reception
nursing wounds that only I normally takes the sample, is area [waiting time not specified;
can see or feel. You would be great — very gentle, calm and a vague or non-specific statement
surprised at how even some relaxed. such as this has the capacity to
of the simplest tasks, which create more anxiety and stress, or
you would regard as mundane So, I had had my blood add to an already tricky situation]
and everyday, turn into an test done and then I waited while she tried to find out
“event” that can take its toll a few days and, again, as is what had happened and why
in surprising ways. Here is a my normal habit [routine/ there was no prescription
real life scenario: an account ritual ], I went to the chemist for me [my routine and ritual
of something that happened to collect my monthly dose of is now completely disrupted; I
to me that was both an medication. However, I was become yet more anxious, worried
unexpected event and which very surprised to find that and I am beginning to feel quite
went horribly wrong. I have there was no package for me agitated. Additionally, I am
indicated the autism responses [disruptions to my normal routine/ starting to build up to losing my
and traits in a different font ritual mean that I start to become cool because I have lost “control”
and in brackets, in the hope anxious, stressed, worried and of the situation — an element of
that this may be helpful. concerned]. control is essential to someone with
16
 an article (continued)
autism — and the outcome (will I this doctor, so that once I knew who wronged, the world is against me”
get my prescription for my drugs) I would be seeing I knew it was going and, given the situation, this was
has become difficult to predict, which to be bothersome, if not edg y and like throwing petrol on the fire]. It
loads up the tension and stress even with a strong possibility I might be was not a happy consultation
further]. Afternoon surgery is rude or offensive, which heightened [the situation deteriorated rapidly;
running and it is busy with my anxiety and made me feel even I can give inappropriate responses
lots of people coming and more on edge]. My expectation and fail to ask for clarification
going [I am in an uncomfortable had been that I should have in a reasonable manner]. It was
situation — because it is crowded collected my prescription from anything but calm [I probably
and noisy and hot — which causes the chemist and have been became belligerent and argumentative
further distress]. My impression on my way home inside five and was, no doubt, unreasonably
is that this was taking a long minutes [so that, from having stubborn, although it must be noted
time to sort out and I couldn’t been calm and on my way home to I would not have been aware of this
see why this should be [this enjoy a cup of tea, I had become at the time. Additionally, I would
adds to anxiety and heightens very stressed, highly anxious, to a have been utterly oblivious to how I
possibility of losing my cool ]. After degree incoherent and agitated, and was coming across to the doctor who
quite some time I went up to was fighting off the real possibility of was taking the consultation because,
the receptionists’ desk, and losing my cool completely]. being autistic, I have little self-
asked again as to what was awareness]. It was very nearly a
happening [unpredictability of time I was anything but total disaster.
and situation can lead to further calm from the outset of my
build-up of anxiety, and contributes consultation with the doctor The outcome was that
to my feeling more agitated], but [I have developed specific fears arrangements for another
was told they couldn’t give me and anxieties about attending blood test were made, it was
an answer and please would I consultations, not just from medical done the next day, the results
wait to see a doctor [once again, scenarios, when I know, as in this were expedited and I collected
the potential waiting time was not case, that a problem has emerged my medication a couple of
specified and open-ended scenarios and there is a likelihood that a days later [expectations fulfilled —
like this, with a lack of parameters meeting or consultation will be result!]. However, on the day I
and specific, defined times leads touchy and difficult]. The doctor’s went home feeling very wound
to distress], who would fit me first statement was to tell me up, stressed and unhappy —
into his list when he could [my that he could not give me a especially so because it was
routine is now completely wrecked; prescription for medication all so unexpected. And next
my levels of distress and anxiety are because I had not had a blood month I will have to go to the
building to the point that will almost test. But I knew that I had surgery again; my hopes are
certainly result in an inappropriate had a blood test [ people with that all might go well, but I am
reaction. What had been a routine autism are notable for being truthful, not overly optimistic — why
situation has become very stressful sometimes in ways that are not to would I be? And I will have
because of the unfamiliarity of their own benefit; to be told what to face the same, everyday and
the situation; I have no self-help was to me an “untruth” (I knew mundane, prospect month after
guidelines to follow, which might help the blood test had been done) was month after month. This little
me to keep my cool in a situation probably the final straw]. Having story occupied but one hour in
such as this]. protested that I had had a one day in one month! Most
blood test done, I was then observers who write about
It took about forty-five told that what had happened people with autism comment
minutes, perhaps an hour, was that the wrong sort of tests that we are loners: isolated
from my coming into the had been carried out and that individuals with few friends. I
surgery until I went in to see I would have to have another do not need to wonder why: do
the doctor [I have a “history” with test [this added to my sense of “being you?
17
 a letter and a poem
Hi Goth, The bullies’ qualities are aggressive, assertive,
see themselves as leader, interested in self, thick-
I am an “Aspie” and I would be pleased if skinned, two-faced, untrustworthy, lacking
you would consider the content of this e-mail for conscience, cowardly, vicious, vindictive, spiteful,
publication in Asperger United. This is a profile of “follow me”, “look up to me”, “do as I say”, “do it
the typical bully. now”, immaturity and irresponsibility.

My name is Norman and am a 70-year- How do bullies get away with it? They
old “Aspie” and I have been bullied all my are always protected by silence and denial,
life, but over the approx. last 10 years this has ignorance, choosing not to see, unenlightenment,
intensified because I have become a target of a not understanding what bullying is, disbelief,
vendetta which has escalated into hate crime and not wanting to get involved, unwillingness
bullying, which has been physiological rather to challenge for fear of being picked on next,
than physical because autism has affected my not wanting to rock the boat, being unable to
verbal communication skills and verbal self- comprehend amoral behaviour, being taken in by
defence, and have had to ask for help from the the bullies’ lies, willingness of the bully to abuse
police hate crime and diversity unit, who have their position of power, rewarding the bully with
done all they can to diffuse the situation. promotion. “What joy is there in inflicting stress
and misery on others?” There is a book called
But have been hampered because of silence Bully in sight by author Tim Field which is about
and denial from the bullies’ supporters. workplace bullying, which may help anyone in a
bullying situation.
I have compiled a list of the bullies’ tactics
which I have researched and also from my own With kind regards from,
bitter experience.
Norman
Bullies always use the same tactics on their
target, which are isolate, intimidate, exclude,
spread inaccurate misleading malicious gossip,
humiliate, ignore, be rude, tease, bait, invalidate,
treat with contempt, brainwash others to
withdraw friendship, and try to encourage
others to behave in the same way to try and
justify their cruel behaviour.

Until I found you

A little space at the bottom of the page

I know you’ll probably not read anyway
Discarded as irrelevant and not much use
It’s just how I felt until I found you

by Dan
18
 stuff you might like to know about AU

The rules of Asperger United

(contact information for AU is on page 2 and again on page 20)

1) Asperger United is funded by the NAS and 9) If you phone and leave a message on the
readers’ donations, and is independent of the machine, please speak slowly and clearly and
NAS. Although it is called “Asperger United” spell uncommon words, as the line isn’t very
it aims to be for the whole of the (reading) clear. Please give any phone number you leave
autism spectrum. That is, the concerns and twice for the same reason. Remember to give
joys of any autistic subscriber can be printed, your postal address so that we can find your
not just Asperger’s. record.
2) Asperger United is quarterly, published in 10) You can sign up for an email notifying you
January, April, July and October. If you whenever a new edition of Asperger United is
do not receive a copy when you expect to, posted on the webpage above. Email
please contact AU. [email protected]
asking for the notification by email and please
3) Pieces that appear in Asperger United are
include your full name, postcode and let us
credited using the author’s first name only,
know whether you want to subscribe to the
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the paid paper edition too.
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everything that appears and it does this on
the email notification, include your email
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5) The NAS would like to keep in touch with
12) If you want to resubscribe (or subscribe for
you about NAS services, support, events,
the first time) inform Asperger United and
campaigns and fundraising. If you want to
include your postal address and fee (for the
hear from the NAS, you can opt in to this
paper version) or email address (for the email
on the NAS website. The NAS will only
notification).
contact you in the ways you want.
13) Book reviews are the most popular thing in
6) If you subscribe to the paper edition and
Asperger United, please consider submitting
move house, please inform Asperger United
one. They can be about any book, not just
and include your old address as well as your
books about autism. Also, they do not have to
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be short (the Goth keeps most of his reviews
Royal Mail forwarding service (or another
short to leave more space for other writers).
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You need to scroll down to the middle of the
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the theme. All submissions may be edited,
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to subscribe to Asperger United. space available.
19
 Asperger United

Dear AU, Despite the enjoyment I get from my

voluntary work, I still feel a deep sense of
It would please me immensely if the following boredom and lack of direction that penetrates
could be published in your next edition on the my very being. But my problem is that most jobs
ups and downs of daily living. are out of my reach because of their fast-paced
nature and lack of flexibility with regard to the
I am a 24-year-old female with a diagnosis needs of disabled people. I could not work in
of Asperger’s syndrome and chronic anxiety. most high-street retail stores for example, and
The only thing I really want in life is a job and temporary work would not be suitable because I
my own flat (I currently live with my parents). need permanence and predictability. An ideal job
The latter aspiration will be satisfied some time for me would be a 9–5 job in local government
next year, when social services will place me or reception work in a mental-health clinic, but
on Band A of the Housing Register. But the at the moment these jobs are restricted, and,
likelihood of securing gainful employment does with the Government’s assault on the public
not look too great given the recession and the sector, secure, disability-friendly jobs are likely to
difficulties I face due to my condition. This is become even harder to find.
a very sad state of affairs because, like many
people on the spectrum, I have a very strong My plan for next year is to take the European
work ethic and need structure and routine. To Computer Driving Licence course, so that I can
compensate for the lack of paid employment, become more employable, and it will also give
I volunteer for three hours a week at Age UK, me a sense of direction that my Aspie self so
where I have successfully learnt how to use the desperately needs.
till and engage with the public. I also volunteer
at an organisation called Enable Me, which raises Meanwhile, my special interests bring me
awareness of different disabilities. My greatest pleasure and a relief from my boredom. I enjoy
achievement here was when I spoke to a group reading about psychoanalysis, philosophy and
of school children at a school via computer history. I am a very serious person, always with
conferencing technology, and the children a book in hand, and my mind deep in thought.
asked me a lot of questions about my life with It is just a shame that I cannot, as yet, put my
Asperger’s syndrome. Next year I am going to be good qualities to use. But I keep hopeful.
involved with teacher-training at the same school
because the headteacher really enjoyed my talk. Anna

Asperger United, c/o The National Autistic Society, 393 City Road, London EC1V 1NG
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